With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Tamera "Tammy" Mericle, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, who left us on January 20, 2023. Born on Jun 16, 1952, she was known for her legendary storytelling, peppered with the “Mericle” humor and her deep love and compassion for animals. The unique and quirky way she viewed the world made it a more beautiful place and was a testament to her heart of gold and resilient spirit. 

She is survived by her loving daughter, Carolyn Mericle-Roche, and her cherished granddaughter, Sophia "Hazel" Roche. She also leaves behind her devoted siblings, brother Monty Mericle, and sister Trudy Warnke; her beloved nieces, Tanya Wear, Sarah Hoppell, Tiffany Mericle, Michelle Rasa, and Jennifer Rath; her sister-in-law, Dottie Mericle; and her brother-in-law, Jack Warnke; her three beloved pet companions, Sugar, Dusty, and Pumpkin. Tammy was predeceased by her father, Jack Mericle, mother, Jean "Penny" Mericle, and Satan, the World’s Greatest Steer. She was followed in death by her partner and dear friend of many years, Richard Rea of Nampa, Idaho.

Tammy was a passionate animal lover and often preferred the company of animals to humans. It was a common phase in the Mericle family that a person would be lucky to die and come back as one of "Tammy's animals." A favorite place of hers was Birch Creek, Oregon, where she lived for several years and would look for arrowheads and cool rocks while enjoying the beauty of the untamed parts of the natural world and the Old West. In particular, Tammy loved history, especially of the Civil War and the pioneer days of covered wagons and cowboys. She was an ardent fan of the Boise State Broncos and found joy in simple pleasures, such as cheeseburgers and chocolate milkshakes.

She gave us invaluable lessons of resilience and open-heartedness, showing us that despite suffering and trauma, bitterness is not the answer. Tammy held on to her sweet spirit until the end and did not let trauma define her. Her two proudest achievements were having an amazing daughter and a granddaughter and having the unique acknowledgment as the woman who raised and loved Satan, a floppy-eared Brahma-Shorthorn Cross calf that grew up to become the World's Greatest Steer. Satan was an over two-ton gentle giant who was considered part of the Mericle family and who is still missed by people near and far.

Spending time with her daughter and granddaughter, who live in Seattle, WA, brought her profound joy, especially the opportunity to travel with them to many extraordinary places, such as Sedona, the Catskill Mountains of New York and New York City, and the islands of Hawaii. In particular, Maui was by far her favorite, where she found the joy and peace she deserved and yet which had eluded her most of her life. Tammy was always ready to share stories about Maui and longed to go back. Her ashes will be scattered in the ocean off the shores of her beloved Maui so that she can forever be a part of the sea and listen to the whales sing every winter.

Tammy's legacy continues to live on through her daughter and granddaughter. Her remarkable storytelling abilities, compassionate heart, resilient spirit, and unique approach to life are deeply missed. She was one-of-a-kind, and her memory will continue to inspire and uplift all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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